Sheila honoured for 32 years caring for the victims of crime

Sheila honoured for 32 years caring for the victims of crime

4 February 2015

AT the age of 80 most people are thinking about taking it a little easier. But Sheila Graham spends three days a week working to make life that little bit better for victims of crime.

The Killyleagh woman was recently awarded an MBE for her services to Victim Support following her many years of support both to victims and witnesses.

A former Ards Citizens Advice Bureau worker, Sheila has been volunteering for Victim Support for 32 years.

The service started in Northern Ireland in 1981 and Sheila was on board soon after.

“Peter MacLachlan at Bryson House developed the service,” said Sheila. “I met Peter, and he was looking for people to expand Victim Support. We were the Down branch.

“In 1994 Downpatrick had the first court service. It was the first service for anyone attending court in Northern Ireland until 2000.”

At the time the Downpatrick Court Witness Support consisted of Sheila Graham, Muriel Bell, Nell Kelly and Sheila Sides, with Alfie Johnston, who was a principal of Ardmore School, chairing. Crucially, a room was provided for witnesses away from the rest of the court.

Victim Support now has an established role in helping people through what can be a frightening and bewildering experience. They often organise visits to court for witnesses to familiarise themselves and accompany witnesses into court if requested.

“It takes people away from the main body of the court,” she said. “There can be the defendant or the family there, for instance. If there is a fear of aggression we can let the court staff know and meet the witnesses.”

In the early days, Sheila said they were keen to stress the confidentiality of the service and be very helpful, but not appear to be “do gooders”. It is also important to note defendants are innocent until proven guilty, she said.

Over the years Sheila has witnessed a lot of difficult cases, some of which have stayed longer than others.

“I think about the sexual abuse cases a lot, though you can’t think one person’s trauma is more or less than another’s,” she said. “You do see families who are very traumatised, perhaps a woman who has been a victim of domestic violence.

“I have met some special, unforgettable people and families through my work who I’ll never forget.”

This busy mum to three sons and grandmother to 11 has enjoyed extensive travel in Asia in the past, She acknowledges, however, that soon will come a time to start being “sensible” about her workload.

And although singled out for the honour, which will be awarded at Buckingham Palace later this year, Sheila is keen the stress the efforts of the team as a whole and the work of Victim Support itself.

“The MBE is an honour that is greatly appreciated,” she said. “It was a complete surprise. I have had lovely cards and letters of congratulation, which I very much appreciate.”

On Behalf of Victim Support NI, Karen Henry, Witness Service, Co-Ordinator, extended congratulations to Sheila.

“Sheila volunteers one day a week for witness service, where she assists victims and witnesses going through the court process, she said. “She also volunteers for our community service providing emotional support and assistance in completing criminal injury compensation forms.

“Sheila is a dedicated volunteer who tirelessly gives up her free time helping victims of crime. Sheila getting an MBE is well deserved. It is an honour gaining this recognition.”

For more information on Victim Support Northern Ireland contact 028 9024 3133 or visit victimsupportni.co.uk